For Toshiba, the DVD format war is finally over.In a statement, the Japanese electronics giant said it had applied for membership in the Blu-ray Disc Association, and said that it planned to ship Blu-ray products throughout the remainder of 2009. The move was expected, after reports leaked word of Toshiba's plans in July.

Toshiba, of course, was the champion of the HD-DVD format, but ended up losing out to Blu-ray in the marketplace. HD DVD died in February 2008, following decisions by Warner Bros. and Wal-Mart to drop the format.

In light of recent growth in digital devices supporting the Blu-ray format, combined with market demand from consumers and retailers alike, Toshiba has decided to join the BDA," Toshiba said in a statement.

"Toshiba aims to introduce digital products that support the Blu-ray format, including BD players and notebook PCs integrating BD drives, in the course of this year," the company added. "Details of the products, including the timing of regional launches, are now under consideration. We will make announcements in due course."

The Blu-ray format has been under pressure, given that some say upscaled standard-definition DVDs provide a viewing experience close to a high-definition Blu-ray disc. A Harris poll reported that Blu-ray takeup was tepid. In February, however, one firm predicted that Blu-ray Disc sales would triple this year.